Monbetsu (紋別市; -shi) is a city located in Abashiri, Hokkaido, Japan, on the Sea of Okhotsk. The name comes from Ainu Mōpetto (Quiet River). It is often called Ōhotsuku-Monbetsu (Okhotsk-Monbetsu) to distinguish from town of Monbetsu in Hidaka Subprefecture (different kanji, but same reading)
Most of Monbetsu's economy is dedicated to fishing for cold-water species such as crab. The city is also a center for research on sea ice.
During the summertime, when the icebergs melt, sailors from Russia are a common sight in the city. Many local businesses have banned Russian visitors for their supposed "unruly" behavior, which has led many to criticize Monbetsu as a hotbed of racial discrimination. (See also: Ethnic issues in Japan)
As of 2003, the city has an estimated population of 27,764 and the density of 33.44 persons per km². The total area is 830.36 km².
Monbetsu does not have passenger rail service. There are buses to Sapporo and Asahikawa, as well as a daily flight to Tokyo from Monbetsu Airport.
- 1909 Mobetsu Village (藻鼈村) and Monbetsu Village merge to form Monbetsu Village
- 1919 Monbetsu Village becomes Monbetsu Town
- July 1, 1954 Shokotsu Village (渚滑村) and Kamishokotsu Village (上渚滑村) merge with Monbetsu to form Monbetsu City
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